In the News: Luminar’s biggest customer is Tesla

This weekly roundup provides the latest news, trends, and updates from the automotive industry, with particular focus on self-driving technology and HD maps.

Tesla bought $2 million in LiDAR sensors from Luminar

Elon Musk’s skepticism of LiDAR as a self-driving technology solution is well documented. Previously, he called it a “crutch,” and that companies that rely on LiDAR for vehicle autonomy were “doomed.” Interestingly, Luminar said in its quarterly earnings report that Tesla was its largest LiDAR customer for the first quarter, comprising of more than 10 percent of the company’s revenue. The exact reason that Tesla purchased $2.1 million worth of LiDAR is currently unclear, but it may relate to Tesla’s future autonomous robotaxi service.

GM finally retiring the Malibu, new Chevy Bolt likely to take its place

GM announced the discontinuation of the Malibu sedan, one of few affordable sedans left in the U.S. market. This marks the end of a successful 10-million-unit run since it first debuted in 1964. It is widely accepted that the North American market has switched preferences to crossovers and SUVs over sedans, so the discontinuation of the once-popular nameplate comes as no surprise. The Malibu is currently produced in Kansas City, but GM plans to retool the factory to manufacture both the upcoming 2026 Chevy Bolt and the Cadillac XT4. The new Bolt will likely be underpinned by GM’s Ultium platform.

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In the News: Luminar’s biggest customer is Tesla

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